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Green Roof Operations
How do you ventilate vertically? Or do you?
Since we had so much interest in the last green roof post, I thought it would fun to see what kind of tactical considerations would come from this picture.
I believe this is a domestic house based solely from the American flag flying proudly. Not a sure thing, but likely. This could be in any one of our jurisdictions and I can honestly say I have had no formal training about this issue.
How would you take on this house if you pulled up to it on a working fire with some fire and smoke showing? To make it more interesting, you have victims trapped in the upper floor, confirmed by occupants who escaped from the main level.
What to do, what to do? Huge vent problem?
Let us know how you would react. If you have prior experience, please share.
Stay safe and train hard.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Doug on
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For one, there is a lot more weight added to the roof and load bearing trusses, so you can expect structural failure in even less time. But, other than that, I have no clue how to approach these types of buildings. I suppose I should learn and educate myself on the subject, since my region is considered one of the World leaders in green building and green technology.
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Permalink Reply by Reg Mathis on
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While Doug has the right idea in suspecting a more rapid deterioration in the roof structure, I would suspect that this dwelling has an already beefed-up support structure and probably some severely upgraded decking. The amount of soil and organic matter on this roof, coupled with a good rain...
I doubt very seriously that a standard 2x4 truss configuration with 1/2' or even 5/8" decking would support that kinda weight for very long. I would also hazard a guess that the walls are poured concrete with re-bar throughout. Definitely one to include in the pre-plan book!
TCSS
Reg
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Permalink Reply by Jason Hoevelmann on
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I am curious about how many do-it-yourselfers will try to do this kind of thing on their own roof?
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Permalink Reply by Marvin Hawk on
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Not to be a wise guy but just as the grass is always greener over the septic tank would it not stand to reason that if you were looking for a fire in the second floor or attic you would want to look for the brown grass as the heat and fire underneath would have killed it or over heated it? I would think that you are also going to have a lot more heat in the second floor as the sod is going to help keep the heat in.
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Permalink Reply by Derek R. on
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I would imagine that you could use a spade or an edger with a shovel to get the lawn and moisture barrier off the roof, then procede with an axe or power saw for the wood. Or call in a back-hoe. The lumber used IS bigger than normal to hold the suspected weight of roof plus rain and/or snow. There is a chance that the first floor roof could be concrete. VES as normal I would think. The rescue team would have to go with a hose team through the second floor windows i would say. All depends on how involved the structure was and where. We have none of these in our area. I did look into building an underground house though. Really kind of interesting.
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Permalink Reply by John Crabbe on
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I'm going to agree with Derek here, VES and it does depend upon conditions when first arriving.
However, given the roof, there is a good chance the fire will not self vent through the roof as you may see, but overall, we don't cut a hole on every structure and a positive pressure attack may be the best route to go, given the conditions.
If you did have to cut, or even want to, you may be able to scrape some vegetation with an axe to be able to use a saw, otherwise cut a hole with an axe or sledge (assuming as mentioned, that isn't a concrete roof).
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Permalink Reply by Michael C. Harrison on
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My saws can cut thru wood, so I know they would have no problem with some grass and dirt......seems fairly simple to me
Oh, and if I had someone trapped on the upper floor....I would throw a ladder to that window....that too, seems fairly simple to me
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Permalink Reply by WhiteLightning on
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I'd definitely use PPV on this one!
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